Hi Jenny (and Charles). From CT to Milan, I can't think of much reason to go via Parma. Via Genova, there are direct trains; it is about 3 hours vs. 4.5 via Parma, and it is somewhat more scenic as some of the journey from CT to Genova is along the coast. See schedules on trenitalia.com. Enjoy your trip!

Jenny, I can't remember the specifics, but suspect that either route will have sections with good scenery. Travel via Genova will be along the coast for part of the way, which is always nice, but there won't be much "scenery" going through the cities. The Parma route will have more rural scenery. I always just use the quickest route with the fewest changes, and try to enjoy whatever scenery is presented. Cheers!

I don't know about the scenery, but I can say that Parma is a nice place to visit, even for a few hours. So, if you want to stop there, take that route; if not, I agree with Ken that the fastest route makes sense.